I worked there over one summer as a conductor trainee. From the first encounter with a trainmaster, I got the feeling I was disposable. I was fired in the fall for the actions of another employee that they mistook as me. No warning and no investigation to my alleged demeanor. My many pleas to the company and union fell on deaf ears despite irrefutable evidence. Every employee at CN can be replaced and they make you know it. Even 30+ year veterans get the boot when they don't tow the company line. Just a warning, never take them lightly, and never give them anything to burn you with. As many in the company say; they'll spend one thousands to train you and the next 30 years trying to fire you.

Typical day at work: 8 hours outside in the freezing cold and in order to warm up you must broadcast over the radio that you want to go inside a locomotive to warm up

What I learned: Seniority based promotion is not for me. I would much rather achieve opportunities based on performance.

Management: Frequently "hides" to observe rule compliance and will write you up for minor violations of a rule they may not even understand themselves.

Co-Workers: Some genuinely happy with their job, some obviously depressed but sticking around for the money. Conductors with 20+ years seniority are still unable to hold a job with desirable hours and at the terminal they want.

Hardest part of the job: Demoralizing remarks such as management/traffic coordinators asking "is everything okay over there?" at the slightest delay.

Most enjoyable part of the job: Controlling and riding around on train equipment and the physical aspect of the job. Plenty of exercise.

Although this should be a very rewarding and "cool" out of the ordinary job, this is quickly overshadowed by the sour company culture and the company renegging on union agreements at the first available opportunity.

I would give 110% all day everyday that would not lead to anything after three years and no advancement I was ready for change and that's why I am here looking for work. I know I am smart enough and have enough skills I can find another job.

Great fellow employees but a strong Union-Management confilcts a daily fare.

Conductor (Current Employee), Kamloops – December 26, 2014

Pros: execellent benefits

Cons: unpredictable working hours

Each work day holds new challenges. Hence each day is a learning experience. Opportunity to work with new crew each day, provides a fresh breath of life and makes work very interesting.Love working in the out doors, hence chose this job by choice.

Typical day at work included typing letters, memos, taking shorthand and "dictaphone" typing. My co-workers at the time were mostly male and I got on very well with everyone there and I think they all liked me as well.

Can't really say what the hardest part of the job was. There were no real difficulties that I can recall or situations that caused me stress.

The most enjoyable part of the job was being around so many diverse people day in and day out.

Great ppl to work with, very safety orientated for obvious reasons. Jumping on and off moving equipment, not for easily intimidated persons. Learned all aspects of running trades, operations and rules. Loved that everyday was different. Hardest part was working in all weather outside ,for extended periods of time. Had many opportunities for job advancement and diversity. I took advantage of all the presented to me.

Pros: decent pay, no skills/ knowledge required to advance through into management

Cons: everything else

(To be clear from the outset, there are definitely good people working at CN Rail. Unfortunately, almost none of them are in management.)

CN brings an exciting 19th-century mindset to the 21st-century job market!As a working-class employee you will serve as an entirely disposable cog in the corporate machine as it railroads its way through pristine water sources and across the pockmarked Canadian landscape.Any and every small mistake you make will be treated with the utmost attention, guaranteeing plenty of quality time with every supervisor within discernible cell range.Don't sweat it though, because no matter how badly anyone screws up the share prices will just keep climbing, leaving no substantial reason for anything to ever change in the way things are done on Canada's National Railroad.

Innovation! Every month brings a new way for management to track exactly where you have been and what you have done.

Dedication! Once you buy that lifted truck you've been eyeing up you're basically locked in for life.

Self-Preservation! Hint: it helps if you're jaded before you even start.

Looking for a career that is sure to leave an irremovable mark on your soul? Then look no further than CN Rail!

CN is a great place to work for a few reasons and a challenging one in others.The pay and benefits are fantastic! Unfortunately the work-life balance is not and if you have a young family this probably isn't ideal for you.